How to Write Great Essays

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soccer team with the death of her grandmother. The result is a unique piece that tells the
reader more about the writer, and displays her ability to convey her feelings and experiences
effectively through the written word.
Why does this essay work? It follows much of the advice given in Chapter 6. For instance,
look back to the list of qualities colleges are looking for (page 71). Of the nine qualities,
only two are not included (intellectual ability and academic achievement). Next, review the
tips on pages 77–78 for avoiding the most common essay blunders. Note how this essay, while
it ends with a dying grandmother and failure to make the team, avoids negativity. The writer
is honest about her emotions, and comes across as a strong person who, while hurt by the
experiences she describes, has the strength and inner resources to keep moving forward.
The piece is original, deeply personal, confident without being pompous, and set in the recent
past. It is a fine example of a great essay.
UNTIMED PROMPT 2
Describe a character in fiction, an historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science,
etc.) that has had an influence on you.
I vividly remember the time I first heard the poem “The Dash.” I was still a
boy, 8th grade, and I was in an elementary school gym having basketball
practice with my traveling team. Practice was almost over so, as you can
imagine, my teammates and I were a little anxious to leave. We lost focus. My
Coach, Dave Thomas, huddled us up at center court, and told us to take a seat.
Being 8th graders, we moaned and complained under our breath about having
to stay an extra couple minutes. Coach Thomas pulled out a piece of paper
from his back pocket and unfolded it. The gym immediately turned quiet, we
knew he had something to say. He began to read us this poem, an unusual
thing for a coach to do at a basketball practice. I was listening very closely to
each line. The words struck home deep down in my heart. I could feel what the
writer was communicating. I was changed by that poem; my attitude and phi-
losophy would never be the same.
The poem called “The Dash” was written by Notre Dame football player
Alton Maiden. The poem is about the dash in-between the date of birth and the
date of death on a gravestone. Maiden wrote, “People may forget your birth
and death, but they will never forget your dash.” The dash represents people’s
lives, what they did in their lifetime. This poem made me think about what I
am doing with my dash, and what others will be left to think about my dash.
It has helped me become the person I am today. I have always tried to do
the right thing, and give my best in whatever I am doing. A dash without
regrets as to one’s efforts can hardly be a disappointment.
My dash contains music. Through music I express my thoughts and emotions.
Sample Essay Prompts and Essays
CHAPTER 8